Great message to send to your High School Youth!

TOPIC: Setting proper sexual boundaries

MAIN SCRIPTURE: "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Solomon 8:4)

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Psalm 119:9; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:1-20; Hebrews 13:4

WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:

I see the sexual messages society repeatedly tries to pound into your head. Society wants you to think that sex is simply a physical act, that there's nothing wrong with premarital sex. Don't believe it.

I'll get straight to the point: Premarital sex is sin. I'm not trying to make life miserable for you, but your heart isn't ready to handle the intimacy of a sexual relationship. Awakening your heart before the time is right will have devastating effects--including in your life with the person you eventually marry. Trust me.

So let's construct some boundaries together before you pass the point of no return:

1. Invite me into your relationships. I didn't come so you would have an unsatisfying life; I came so you might have an abundant life. And besides, I'm present in all your relationships--don't you think it's about time you acknowledge me in them? Make me an active part in your conversation, and you'll discover a spiritual dimension of your relationship that few couples enjoy.
2. Don't ask how far you can go. When you do that, you're looking for ways to get around me. Instead stay far enough from the boundary that you won't have to ask that question. (Of course, asking me for a little insight doesn't hurt.)
3. Take time to get to know the other person. Usually when a premarital relationship becomes sexual, the two people stop exploring each other's hearts.
4. Do things in groups. This will go a long way toward preventing you from placing yourself in compromising positions.
5. Ask your friends to help you stay pure. They're an important line of defense.

You have a lifetime of enjoyable sex ahead of you. Don't put it in jeopardy by prematurely exploring it. And remember: If you've already explored, I love you just the same as I always have--just ask for my forgiveness and start your life and relationships anew.

Love, Jesus

SUMMARY CHALLENGE: Jesus wants you to enjoy a lifetime of sex--but he doesn't want you to lessen the joy by having sex before you're married.

Taken from "Conversations with Jesus" copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=319